Tuesday, July 03, 2007
100% Engraftment - Happy July 4th
Does anybody remember what I did one year ago on July 4th? I was finally released from the hospital into the "Village" units on the premises of the City of Hope Hospital. (Of course, after two days, I went straight back into the hospital for another 18 days, as I remember.) But the point is, that this July 4th marks another new meaning for "Independence Day." I'm free of my diseased old marrow!!! According to my doctor at today's visit, I'm 100% engrafted with my donor's healthy young marrow.
I can't believe I went another two months without seeing my doctor. Here are my numbers for those interested:
WBC's 3.3 (norm 4.0-11)
RBC 3.62 (norm 3.8-5.2)
HGB 12.2 (norm 11.5-15.5)
HCT 34.2 (norm 35-47)
PLT 77 (norm 150-350)
My doctor is happy to see my numbers are staying stable. Some counts will take longer to respond than others, like my platelets. Seems I have a little GVHd (rejection) so he didn't reduce or take me off any of my prescriptions. But, the good news is that he didn't add any either! : )
I was a human pin cushion again today. First my blood draw then my second round of four immunizations: Heamophilus Influenzae (flu), Hepatitis B, Tetanus & Diphtheria, and Polio. Needless to say my arms ache a little bit.... but that's nothing when you consider what I've already been through.
Several years ago, when I was first diagnosed, I wondered if I'd even be here to see my boys graduate from high school, move on to college, etc.
Well, I'm happy to say that Scott has graduated from high school and we're all happy and proud of him. Over the past few years, Scott and Andrew have both been faced with additional challenges due to my illness. I'm proud of both of them as it has not been easy. I'm so happy that we were all here to celebrate Scott's special day.
Thank you again for your tremendous support over the years. I couldn't have come this far without such a wonderful support system. I'm eternally touched by all those who have helped us out. I can never thank each and every one of you enough! I love you all. Forever, Nancy
I can't believe I went another two months without seeing my doctor. Here are my numbers for those interested:
WBC's 3.3 (norm 4.0-11)
RBC 3.62 (norm 3.8-5.2)
HGB 12.2 (norm 11.5-15.5)
HCT 34.2 (norm 35-47)
PLT 77 (norm 150-350)
My doctor is happy to see my numbers are staying stable. Some counts will take longer to respond than others, like my platelets. Seems I have a little GVHd (rejection) so he didn't reduce or take me off any of my prescriptions. But, the good news is that he didn't add any either! : )
I was a human pin cushion again today. First my blood draw then my second round of four immunizations: Heamophilus Influenzae (flu), Hepatitis B, Tetanus & Diphtheria, and Polio. Needless to say my arms ache a little bit.... but that's nothing when you consider what I've already been through.
Several years ago, when I was first diagnosed, I wondered if I'd even be here to see my boys graduate from high school, move on to college, etc.
Well, I'm happy to say that Scott has graduated from high school and we're all happy and proud of him. Over the past few years, Scott and Andrew have both been faced with additional challenges due to my illness. I'm proud of both of them as it has not been easy. I'm so happy that we were all here to celebrate Scott's special day.
Thank you again for your tremendous support over the years. I couldn't have come this far without such a wonderful support system. I'm eternally touched by all those who have helped us out. I can never thank each and every one of you enough! I love you all. Forever, Nancy
